LEARN THE HISTORY, FUN FACTS, AND GET IDEAS ON HEARTWARMING GIFTS TO CUSTOMIZE AND GIVE TO THOSE YOU ADORE!

February 14, better known as St. Valentine’s Day. A celebration of love filled with cards, candy, flowers, and gifts. A holiday observed annually throughout the United States and several other countries, including Italy, Canada, France, Australia, and England. However, have you ever stopped to think why this date is honored and who is this eminent Saint that inspires such romance? 

THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY 

The most popular interpretation stems back to circa 270 A.D. when Rome was under Claudius II ruling (Claudius the Cruel). During this era, Claudius, a determined emperor, strived to build a mighty army. However, he believed his soldiers lacked determination and focus because of their wives and children. This fickleness revolted Claudius, triggering a ban on engagements and marriages across the land. Valentine, a Roman priest, negated these orders, believing these demands were unjust and continued to unite couples by marriage. When word of Valentine’s actions made way to Claudius, his anger prevailed and in an uproar, Valentine was thrown in prison, and condemned to death. Days passed and Valentine awaited his demise imprisoned. Swiftly the day occurred, and Valentine was clubbed then beheaded, the date February 14. 

Prior to his death, Valentine lived his life nobly and was later declared a saint. To honor his commitment to uniting love, February 14 was later marked as the holiday St. Valentine’s Day, the day to celebrate amity.  Legend has it he wrote a farewell letter while in jail with the signature “From your Valentine.” Which later connected the martyr to the essence of romance and love, thus sending a ‘Valentine’ card. 

DIVING DEEPER INTO HISTORY 

Although we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, legend has it that multiple Valentines, dozens in fact, ironically all martyred Saints. However, the Saint that we celebrate on February 14 is St. Valentine of Rome, the martyr and priest. 

FUN FACTS ABOUT ST. VALENTINE

Since Valentine was beheaded for this defiance to comply with Claudius’s rules, to honor him his head was kept in commemoration. Creepy yet unique, you can find his preserved skull flower-adorned relic, displayed in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. 

Another interesting fact about Valentine is his patronage. As you could have guessed, St. Valentine is the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages. He is also recognized as the patron saint of epilepsy, beekeeping, plague, and traveling. 

Regardless of the history, St. Valentine’s day has grown into a widely recognized day of admiration. Today, we honor the day by sharing gifts and happiness with those around us. Whether it is a day of romance with your loved one filled with chocolates, candy, and gifts, or simple appreciation cards to your friends or colleagues to show them you care. Don’t let the day slip by without showing those around how much they mean to you. Here at Greco Promotions we have customizable gifts perfect to give this Valentine’s day and show your gratefulness. Some of our favorites include; 

1. Small Window Box – Conversation Heart Candy with 13 Custom Messages

These small window boxes are a great way to promote your work or business. The perfect way to show your clients and partners that you are thinking of them! Candy is bagged inside the box. Choose a heart or rectangle window. Available without window upon request. Price includes up to 5 different messages. 2.375″ L x 0.625″ W x 4″ H https://www.grecopromotions.com/p/JDUKE-IIEMV/small-window-box—conversation-heart-candy-with-13-custom-messages

2. Treat Card – Custom Conversation Hearts

These treat cards are a great way to promote your work or business. The perfect way to show your clients and partners that you are thinking of them! Includes 12 Custom Conversation Hearts. Custom Heart Setup includes up to 5 messages, call for pricing on additional messages. 3.5″ L x 4.5″ H x 0.5″ W https://www.grecopromotions.com/p/BDTJC-MDTCZ/treat-card—custom-conversation-hearts

Always & Forever Tower

3. Always & Forever Tower

Love is in the air! Our Always and Forever tower includes one tier of Silver and Red Chocolate Hearts and Hershey’s Kisses, and one tier of 5 Milk Chocolate Covered Oreos, decorated with red, white and pink nonpareils. We customize the satin ribbon with your logo. 3.6″ L x 3.6″ W x 4″ H https://www.grecopromotions.com/p/VDVIG-LQCKL/always–forever-tower

4. Movie Night Kit

Set Includes #ZSW6 Zagasnacks With Chex Mix Fill, #8143 Campfire Stoneware Ceramic Bowl, #WB2 Large Window Bag with Cashew Fills, #POP01 Microwave Popcorn Flat, #POPCORN-SET Popcorn Kernel Set With Seasonings And #GPS Gourmet Popcorn Single Butter Flavor and Card. Colors Available: ZSW6: White. 8143: Black, Brown, Cobalt Blue, Gray, Green, Lime Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Royal Blue, Teal, or Yellow, all with White Inner. WB2: Gold, Silver, Black, Red, White, Valentine, Holiday Wreath, Hol. Complies with Prop 65. 5 3/4″ W x 6″ H https://www.grecopromotions.com/p/XDYMJ-OADFQ/movie-night-kit

5. Valentine Morsel Dozen

Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s Day with an enchanting gift of gourmet brownies. A token of your affection, the silver-lined keepsake box will hold treasures long after the treats are gone. Bite-sized brownies are individually wrapped and certified kosher. A Happy Valentine’s Day band wraps around the gift. Six flavors of brownies: Original, Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Cream Cheese, Raspberry Swirl, Walnut. https://www.grecopromotions.com/p/WLSKH-JZNKY/valentine-morsel-dozen